Locator Beacon RSSI Delta Antenna Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) locator beacons face challenges in accurately determining the direction and location of a mobile device relative to the beacon, especially in environments with multiple devices and obstructions, due to limitations in power consumption and signal strength measurement.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple antennas configured in specific arrangements, such as linear or L-shaped configurations, allows for the measurement of Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) values to determine the delta value between signals, enabling accurate determination of the mobile device's position and direction relative to the beacon, with the processing unit analyzing these values to authenticate the device's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used to improve direction and location determination accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the localization function into multiple antenna segments (first antenna, second antenna, third antenna, fourth antenna) positioned at different locations. Each antenna independently measures RSSI values, and the processing unit combines these segmented measurements to determine direction and location, improving measurement precision while managing complexity through functional division
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-antenna one-dimensional signal strength measurement to multi-antenna three-dimensional spatial measurement. By positioning antennas at different spatial coordinates and measuring RSSI from multiple dimensions, the system can calculate both direction (angular information) and location (distance information), enhancing measurement precision through dimensional expansion
2Measurement precision
If multiple antennas with specific configurations are deployed to determine device direction and position, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes the spatial relationships between antennas during the design and manufacturing phase. The known positions of antennas relative to each other are predetermined and stored in the processing unit, allowing the system to perform accurate direction and location calculations without requiring high-precision real-time adjustments during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the measured RSSI values from multiple antennas to calculate direction and position, then feeds this information back to verify and refine the localization accuracy. The processing unit continuously compares calculated positions with expected positions based on known antenna configurations, enabling self-correction and maintaining measurement precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the accuracy of determining the first-in-line device and its direction relative to the beacon, even in crowded environments, by leveraging the differences in signal strength and configuration of antennas, thereby improving the overall functionality of BLE-based location systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna configured to send a first signal; (b) a second antenna configured to send a second signal
Data Source
AI summary
A locator beacon, method and system for identifying a first-in-line device, including: a first antenna configured to send a first signal; a second antenna configured to send a second signal and spaced apart from the first antenna such that a delta value between a first Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value of the first signal and a second RSSI value of the second signal measured at a predefined location, is within a range of values; a receiver for receiving wireless signals configured to receive an authentication signal from a mobile device adapted to measure the first and second RSSI values, the authentication signal including authentication data related to the measured RSSI values; and a processing unit, configured to determine whether the mobile device is the first-in-line device based on whether a delta value between the first RSSI value and the second RSSI value is within a predefined value range.